Question

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word:
I’m small. If only I ________ taller.
a. Were
b. Wasn’t
c. Am
d. Have

Answer 1

Hint: The blank would be filled with the most suitable provided word from the options given, we would have to consider the tense of the statement and modal in reference of the verb.

Complete answer:
Option a: were – were shows possibility of a verb in past and future tense.
Example: We were late. (Past tense)
We were going to arrive at the destination. (Future tense)

Option b: wasn’t – it is an abbreviation of words ‘was not’. This shows a negative reply in past form.
Example: I wasn’t the one who broke the toy.

Option c: am – This is used to refer to one’s own self in a dialogue/sentence.
Example: I am going to school.

Option d: have – This shows possession of an object by a noun/ pronoun.
Example: I have a sports bicycle.
I’m small. If only I were taller.

The most suitable option is ‘a – were’. The narrator says ‘I’m small’ and he/she states a statement. In the second statement he/she wishes that if he/she was a bit taller. The desire to be taller is most suitable with ‘were’.

Note: The desire or wish for a character or a property in a sense of consolation or regret is used with were. Example – She is very smart. I wish I were smarter.